Hiérarchie des places à table ronde, baguettes communes et l'art délicat de payer l'addition. Évitez les moments gênants lors des dîners d'affaires et repas de famille.
Chinese dining is communal and hierarchical. Meals are served family-style on a rotating lazy Susan (the 'Chinese turntable'), and understanding seating order, serving customs, and bill-paying etiquette can make the difference between a smooth meal and an awkward one. The person who invites pays — but the ritual of offering to pay is expected. Communal chopsticks (gongkuai) are increasingly common for hygienic serving. These rules matter most at business dinners and formal family meals.
Dining etiquette is most critical at business dinners (where deals are often assessed by behavior at the table), formal banquets (weddings, celebrations), and when invited to a Chinese home. At casual restaurants and street food stalls, you can relax — basic chopstick manners and not making a mess are sufficient.
Comment commander du thé correctement, l'étiquette de base de la cérémonie du thé et un guide des thés régionaux célèbres. Connaître la différence entre le thé vert, oolong et pu'er vous donnera confiance.
Tabous absolus : planter les baguettes dans le riz (ressemble à l'encens funéraire), pointer avec les baguettes et utiliser des baguettes personnelles pour les plats partagés. Aspirer les nouilles est acceptable.
If you're unsure about a specific cultural situation, reach out for practical advice tailored to your trip.